The switch provides an RS-232 serial port that enables a connection to a computer or terminal for monitoring and configuring the switch. This port is a male DB-9 connector, implemented as a data terminal equipment (DTE) connection.

To use the console port, you need the following equipment:

A terminal or a computer with both a serial port and the ability to emulate a terminal

A null modem or crossover RS-232 cable with a female DB-9 connector for the console port on the switch

To connect a terminal to the console port:

Connect the female connector of the RS-232 cable directly to the
console port on the switch, and tighten the captive retaining screws.

Connect the other end of the cable to a terminal or to the serial
connector of a computer running terminal emulation software.

NOTICE: When you use HyperTerminal with the Microsoft® Windows® 2000
operating system, ensure that you have Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or later
installed. Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 allows you to use arrow keys in
HyperTerminal's VT100 emulation. See www.microsoft.com for information
on Windows 2000 service packs.

After you have correctly set up the terminal, plug the power cable into
the power receptacle on the back of the switch. The boot sequence
appears in the terminal.

After the boot sequence completes, the console login screen displays.
If you have not logged into the command line interface (CLI)
program, the default user names are admin and guest, and the
corresponding passwords are admin and guest.

If you log in as guest, the CLI displays the Console> prompt to indicate that you are using the CLI in normal access (Normal Exec) mode.

If you log in as admin, the CLI displays the Console# prompt to indicate that you are using the CLI in privileged access (Privileged Exec) mode.

CLI commands for most common tasks are provided in "Management Interface." See the Command Line Reference on the documentation CD for a list of all commands and additional information on using the CLI.

When you have completed your tasks, exit the session with the Quit
command.

To proceed through the CLI initial login screen, you must enter a password. If you have not logged into the CLI program, the default user names are admin and guest, and the corresponding passwords are admin and guest. If you log in as guest, you have access to the Normal Exec level. If you log in as admin, you have access to the Privileged Exec level.

User Access Verification

Username: admin

Password:

CLI session with the PowerConnect 5224 is opened.

To end the CLI session, enter [Exit].

Console#

After your initial login, define new passwords for both default user names to prevent unauthorized access to the switch, and record the passwords for future reference.

At the CLI login prompt, enter admin as the user name and password
for the Privileged Exec level. Press <Enter>.

NOTICE: CLI configuration commands only modify the running configuration
file and are not saved when the switch is rebooted. To save all your
configuration changes in nonvolatile storage, you must use the copy command
to copy the running configuration file to the startup configuration.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol designed specifically for managing devices on a network. Network equipment, such as hubs, switches, and routers, use SNMP to configure system features for proper operation, as well as to monitor their performance and detect potential problems.

Managed devices that support SNMP include software (referred to as an agent), which runs locally on the device. A defined set of variables (managed objects) is maintained by the SNMP agent and used to manage the device. These objects are defined in a Management Information Base (MIB), which provides a standard presentation of the information controlled by the agent. SNMP defines both the format of the MIB specifications and the protocol used to access this information over the network.

The PowerConnect 5224 switch includes an on-board SNMP agent that monitors the status of the switch hardware, as well as the traffic passing through the ports. A computer on the network running SNMP-based management software, called a Network Management Station (NMS), can be used to access this information. Access rights to the SNMP agent are controlled by community strings. To communicate with the switch, the NMS must first submit a valid community string for authentication.

You must assign an IP address to the switch to gain management access over the network. You may also need to a establish a default gateway between the switch and management stations that exist on another network segment. You can statically configure a specific IP address or direct the switch to obtain an address from a Boot Protocol (BOOTP) or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server when it is powered on. Valid IP addresses consist of four decimal numbers, 0 to 255, separated by periods. Anything outside this format is not accepted by the CLI program.

NOTICE: By default, the IP address is assigned to VLAN 1 through DHCP.

If you select the bootp or dhcp option, IP is enabled but does not function until a BOOTP or DHCP reply has been received. Requests are broadcast periodically by the switch in an effort to learn its IP address. (BOOTP and DHCP values can include the IP address, default gateway, and subnet mask).

To display assigned IP settings using the CLI:

From the Privileged Exec or Normal Exec level mode, type show ip
interface and press <Enter>.